43. Keeping an Eye on Your School District’s Finances

Our latest episode covers ground that is familiar to all school board members: the regular review of school district financial information. The purpose of these financial reports is simple: to convey the school district’s financial health, now and in the foreseeable future. They’re also a great opportunity for school board members to learn and show they’re earning the trust of parents and taxpayers. We’ll help you understand these reports in more detail by explaining the documents that are at the core of financial reporting, especially the check register and budget-to-actual report. We’re joined by two experienced school leaders on different sides of the board table. Larry Dux is a longtime board member in Pewaukee, and Michael Barry is executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials, or WASBO. We'll talk about the connection between thoughtful continuous financial monitoring and community trust, especially in an era of increased referendums. We’ll also discuss how to ask tough questions of district staff in a way that builds mutual respect.